Best Alcohol Reduction Podcasts (2025)

1
The 1/2/3 Rule: A Smarter Way to Drink 8:06

6h ago8:06

8:06

Ever wonder why “just a couple drinks” can leave you feeling tired, anxious, or totally off the next day? It’s not always about how much you drink — it’s about how fast, how often, and how your body has to recover. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the 1/2/3 Rule — a simple, science-backed approach to drinking more mindfully: Why one dr…

1
Why Alcohol Makes You Pee So Much 10:08

1d ago10:08

10:08

Why does alcohol make you pee so much? It’s more than just a party joke — there’s real science behind it. Alcohol messes with your body’s ability to hold onto water, drains essential minerals, and can leave you feeling dehydrated, foggy, or restless the next day. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what’s actually happening when you drink…

1
The 20-Minute Rule for Alcohol 7:38

4d ago7:38

7:38

Think you're fine after a drink? Think again. Most people don’t realize alcohol takes about 20 minutes to fully kick in—and that delay could be the reason you end up drinking more than you planned. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science behind the 20-minute rule and why it matters for anyone who drinks: How alcohol is absorbed—an…

1
What Deficiency Causes Alcohol Cravings? 10:11

5d ago10:11

10:11

Still craving that drink—even when you’re trying to cut back? It might not be about willpower at all. New science shows that nutrient deficiencies could be fueling your alcohol cravings from the inside out. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what your body might be missing: The top nutrient deficiencies linked to alcohol cravings How B1,…

1
The Link Between Dementia and Alcohol 7:14

6d ago7:14

7:14

Is your drink putting your brain at risk? New research reveals that heavy drinking can significantly increase your chances of developing brain damage associated with dementia. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what this means for your cognitive health: The connection between heavy alcohol consumption and brain lesions How drinking impac…

1
How Alcohol Affects Your Mental Health 11:46

7d ago11:46

11:46

Is that drink really helping your mood? While alcohol may seem like a quick way to unwind, it can have lasting effects on your mental health. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what this means for your well-being: How alcohol acts as a depressant and impacts mood The connection between drinking and anxiety or depression The role of L-The…

1
Cheers to Aging Gracefully with Alcohol 9:44

8d ago9:44

9:44

Wondering how your drinking habits affect your aging? The truth might surprise you. While a drink or two can be a social delight, alcohol has significant impacts on your skin, brain, and overall health as you age. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores the connection between alcohol consumption and the aging process, including: How alcohol acce…

1
Alcohol, Weight Gain, and Healthy Choices 9:32

11d ago9:32

9:32

Ever wondered why drinking can lead to unexpected weight gain? It’s not just about the calories—alcohol affects metabolism, appetite, and fat storage in ways you might not realize. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science behind alcohol and weight gain, including: How alcohol slows down fat burning and disrupts metabolism Why drink…

1
'Change resistant drinkers'? The blue light approach with Mark Holmes & Mike Ward 46:57

12d ago46:57

46:57

In this episode we talk to Mark Holmes and Mike Ward about the Blue Light approach, which aims to challenge the belief that nothing can be done with drinkers who may be deemed as 'not wanting to change'. The Blue Light approach aims to show there are a range of positive strategies that can be used to manage risk, reduce harm and promote change. We …

1
The Hidden Connection Between Alcohol and Gut 7:49

12d ago7:49

7:49

Does alcohol really mess with your gut health? Absolutely. Drinking can cause gut issues, including imbalances in bacteria, inflammation, and a weakened gut lining. Research shows that alcohol disrupts digestion and can trigger bloating, fatigue, and cravings for unhealthy foods. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives into what this means for your…

1
Here’s Why You Need Milk Thistle 6:51

13d ago6:51

6:51

Does milk thistle really help your liver handle alcohol? Science says it might. Your liver works hard to process alcohol, but excess drinking can cause inflammation and damage. Milk thistle, a centuries-old remedy, may help protect liver cells, reduce inflammation, and support regeneration. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what this me…

1
Alcohol’s Impact on Dopamine and Motivation 8:17

14d ago8:17

8:17

Ever wonder why alcohol feels like it gives you energy and motivation, only to leave you feeling unmotivated later? There’s a scientific reason for that. Alcohol tricks your brain with short-term dopamine boosts but drains long-term motivation, focus, and drive—making it harder to find pleasure in daily life. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook break…

1
Why Do I Crave Alcohol When I Don’t Want To? 10:18

15d ago10:18

10:18

You swear you’re cutting back—but then, out of nowhere, the craving hits. Why? It’s not just habit or willpower—your brain and body are wired to want it. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science behind why cravings happen and how to manage them, including: How alcohol rewires your brain, making cravings feel automatic The role of g…

1
Glow or No? The Skin Secrets of Drinking 9:48

21d ago9:48

9:48

Is alcohol messing with your skin? Let’s find out! You might enjoy a drink to unwind, but alcohol can lead to dehydration, inflammation, and accelerated aging, complicating your skin health. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what this means for your skin: How alcohol causes dryness and redness The connection between drinking and skin co…

1
The Truth About Alcohol and Heart Health 10:10

25d ago10:10

10:10

Is alcohol really bad for your health? Let's find out! You might think a glass of wine is good for your heart, but alcohol can also cause high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats, making it more complicated. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what this means for your heart health: How alcohol affects blood pressure and cholesterol le…

1
Alcohol, B6, L-Theanine and Sleep 11:50

27d ago11:50

11:50

Think alcohol helps you sleep? Think again. You might feel like alcohol helps you fall asleep faster, but in reality, it’s disrupting your sleep quality, leaving you exhausted and unfocused. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down: How alcohol messes with your REM sleep and deep rest Why you wake up feeling groggy, even after a full night’s s…

1
How a "Couple Drinks" Can Affect Brain Volume 8:27

1M ago8:27

8:27

Does alcohol actually shrink your brain? Science says yes. Even small amounts of alcohol can shrink brain volume, impacting memory, decision-making, and learning. New research shows even moderate drinking may speed up cognitive decline. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what this means for your brain health: What brain scans reveal abou…

1
The #1 App to Cut Back on Drinking Alcohol 9:37

1M ago9:37

9:37

Ever wanted to drink less without quitting entirely? Sunnyside is proving that small, sustainable changes can lead to major results. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives into the science-backed approach that helped over 350,000 people reduce their alcohol intake by 33% in just 12 weeks, without rigid rules or guilt. You'll learn: How Sunnyside’s…

1
How Alcohol Disrupts Your Body & How to Fix It W/ Dr. Terranella 13:35

2M ago13:35

13:35

Ever feel like your body is working against you when cutting back on alcohol? There’s a biochemical reason for that. In this episode, Dr. Robin Terranella breaks down: How alcohol disrupts homeostasis, making it harder to quit The key nutrient deficiencies caused by drinking—and how to replenish them Why poor sleep, anxiety, and fatigue are common …

1
Getting Drunk Without Drinking? The Science Behind It 10:21

2M ago10:21

10:21

Ever felt drunk without drinking much? Dr. Jason Kilmer’s research proves it’s possible. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives into Dr. Kilmer’s groundbreaking study that reveals: How people got buzzed—without any alcohol at all Why your expectations shape your drinking experience more than you think The real reason alcohol makes you “more social…

1
Danny O'Connor - Championship Boxing, Mental Health, and Finding Purpose 1:00:16

2M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

Hello and welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power, my name is Oliver Books. Today, I’m talking with Danny O’Connor—a former U.S. Olympic boxing team member and world title contender. But his biggest fight wasn’t in the ring. Danny battled anxiety, substance use, and personal struggles that nearly took everything from him. Now, he’s using his experie…

1
My Story, My Mission & the Missing Piece in Mindful Drinking 11:16

2M ago11:16

11:16

For years, I was stuck in the cycle—drinking, quitting, slipping, and feeling like I was failing. I thought willpower was the answer, but I learned the hard way that biology plays a huge role in changing drinking habits. In this episode, I’m sharing my full journey—from being a social drinker to a nightly drinker, to finally breaking free from the …

1
Is Decision Fatigue Making It Harder to Cut Back on Alcohol? 10:13

2M ago10:13

10:13

Ever start the day feeling strong, only to cave by evening? Decision fatigue might be the culprit. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down: Why your brain’s fuel (glucose) depletes throughout the day, making self-control harder How alcohol hijacks decision-making, making that “one drink” harder to resist The paradox of choice—why too many opt…

1
Are You an "In-Between" Drinker? 11:53

2M ago11:53

11:53

Not everyone fits neatly into the categories of “moderate drinker” or “alcoholic.” There’s a huge gray area in between—what Mike Hardenbrook calls "in-between drinking." In this episode, Mike breaks down: What in-between drinking is and why so many people fall into this category Why traditional labels don’t always fit and can make change harder The…

1
The Science of Alcohol and Anxiety 10:58

2M ago10:58

10:58

Feeling more anxious after drinking? There’s a reason for that. Alcohol may feel like it calms the nervous system, but behind the scenes, it disrupts brain chemistry, leading to rebound anxiety, sleep issues, and even more stress over time. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the neuroscience of alcohol and anxiety, including: How alcohol…

1
How Alcohol Depletes Thiamine and Why It Matters 11:43

2M ago11:43

11:43

Feeling sluggish after drinking? It’s not just in your head. Alcohol depletes thiamine (Vitamin B1)—a key nutrient for energy, brain function, and metabolism. Even moderate drinking can lead to subclinical deficiencies, causing brain fog, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down: How alcohol depletes thia…

1
Can NAC Help Reduce Alcohol Cravings? 7:33

2M ago7:33

7:33

Struggling with alcohol cravings? It’s not just about willpower. There’s a biological reason why cutting back on alcohol feels so hard, and it has everything to do with how alcohol affects your brain chemistry and cravings. One supplement that’s been gaining attention? N-acetylcysteine (NAC). In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives into the latest …

1
Mindful Drinking vs. Moderation: What’s the Difference? 6:28

2M ago6:28

6:28

Mindful drinking and moderation aren’t the same—so which one actually works? Most people trying to drink less think they need to rely on willpower or strict rules to succeed. But the truth is, moderation can feel like a battle, while mindful drinking offers a much better path to long-term change. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down why mo…

1
The Biology Behind Alcohol Cravings 6:31

2M ago6:31

6:31

Most people think drinking less is about self-control—setting rules, using willpower, and making better choices. But what if I told you your body is working against you? Alcohol doesn’t just create habits—it changes your brain chemistry and depletes key nutrients that regulate your mood, sleep, and cravings. Many people don’t realize they experienc…

1
Morgan Godvin - Incarceration, Advocacy, and Public Health 50:19

2M ago50:19

50:19

In this episode of Recovery Stories Have Power, Oliver Books sits down with Morgan Godvin—a writer, public health advocate, and researcher focused on drug policy and overdose prevention. Morgan shares her journey from opioid use and four years in federal prison to working on policy reform, touring with Minnesota hip-hop group Atmosphere to distribu…

1
Joseph Green - Storyteller, Educator, Advocate - CEO LMSvoice 46:33

3M ago46:33

46:33

Kicking off Season 3! In this powerful premiere episode of Recovery Stories Have Power, host Oliver Books sits down with Joseph Green, CEO of LMSvoice—a spoken word artist, educator, and advocate for recovery. Joseph shares his deeply personal journey, from his early days in theater and poetry to his struggles with substance use disorder and ultima…

1
Culture, politics & drinking with Dr James Nicholls 55:38

4M ago55:38

55:38

In this episode we talk to Dr James Nicholls about how drinking came to be such a significant part of many modern cultures. We discuss how alcohol use and problems have evolved over recent centuries, and how this reflects various political and social pressures. This includes how drinking escalated with the development of alcohol production, and how…

1
Recovery Stories Have Power - New Year's Special 18:26

4M ago18:26

18:26

Welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power! This is the year-end clipshow extravaganza! Thanks so much for listening to our show all year, we really appreciate you. We have great things lined up for 2025, so stay tuned! Visit us online at https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast This is also available as a video episode, so check it out our YouTube…

1
Episode 24 - Shannon Egan, Recovery Movement Consulting 38:16

5M ago38:16

38:16

Welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power! In this episode, host Tyler Brandon interviews Shannon Egan, who shares her inspiring journey from substance use recovery to becoming a trailblazer in the recovery movement. Sober since 2011 and a breast cancer survivor, Shannon is the founder of Recovery Movement Consulting (RMC), where she has helped secure…

1
Episode 23 - Mark Rosman, Director for Film & TV 42:46

5M ago42:46

42:46

Welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power! In this episode, host Oliver Books speaks with Mark Rosman, a film and TV industry veteran with a career spanning three decades. From directing for Disney, Lifetime, and Hallmark to teaching at UCLA, Mark opens up about the intersection of his personal life and professional work. He shares insights into his l…

1
Episode 22 - Tim Snyder & Mike Oxley, Talkin' Trash Podcast 1:25:40

6M ago1:25:40

1:25:40

Hello and welcome to another episode of Recovery Stories Have Power, my name is Oliver Books. On today's episode our host, Tyler Brandon, interviews Tim Snyder and Mike Oxley of the "Talkin' Trash" Recovery podcast. "Talkin' Trash" is self-described as an "honest" and "raw" podcast that's pretty off-the-cuff. Tyler joined them on their show recentl…

1
Episode 21 - Dr. Jerome Adams, Former US Surgeon General 42:50

6M ago42:50

42:50

Hello and welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power, my name is Oliver Books. On today's episode I had the privilege of speaking with former US Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams. Dr. Jerome Adams is a Presidential Fellow and the Executive Director of Purdue’s Health Equity Initiatives as of October 1, 2021. He is also a Distinguished Professor of Prac…

1
Bonus Episode - National Rally for Recovery and Mobilize Recovery Bus Tour Clip-Show 15:25

6M ago15:25

15:25

Hello and Welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power, my name is Oliver Books. On today’s bonus episode we’ve got our host Tyler Brandon on the ground at last September’s event the National Rally for Recovery which took place in Chicago. Tyler interviewed some of the volunteers and attendees about the event. After that we’ll jump into some clips from m…

1
Recovery Month Podcast Special #4 - Libby Jones, Program Director Overdose Prevention Initiative 37:39

7M ago37:39

37:39

Throughout the month of September we’ll be releasing video podcast episodes every week to celebrate Recovery Month with you. We have several terrific guests from all around the recovery field who will share their journey into advocacy with us while sharing info from behind the scenes of some major change making organizations. These conversations co…

1
Recovery Month Podcast Special #3 - Garrett Hade, co-founder of Mobilize Recovery 50:45

7M ago50:45

50:45

Throughout the month of September we’ll be releasing video podcast episodes every week to celebrate Recovery Month with you. We have several terrific guests from all around the recovery field who will share their journey into advocacy with us while sharing info from behind the scenes of some major change making organizations. These conversations co…

1
Recovery Month Special #2 - Dr. Felecia Pullen on Community Based Care 42:32

8M ago42:32

42:32

Throughout the month of September we’ll be releasing video podcast episodes every week to celebrate Recovery Month with you. We have several terrific guests from all around the recovery field who will share their journey into advocacy with us while sharing info from behind the scenes of some major change making organizations. These conversations co…

1
Recovery Month Podcast Special #1 - Keegan Wicks on Recovery Advocacy 26:05

8M ago26:05

26:05

Throughout the month of September we’ll be releasing video podcast episodes every week to celebrate Recovery Month with you. We have several terrific guests from all around the recovery field who will share their journey into advocacy with us while sharing info from behind the scenes of some major change making organizations. These conversations co…

1
Episode 15 - Lionel Oglesby - Equity Officer, Legal Action Center 50:06

8M ago50:06

50:06

Hello and welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power, my name is Oliver Books. On today's episode I had the chance to interview Lionel Oglesby, Equity Officer for the Legal Action Center. Lionel has been in the advocacy field for quite some time, and we dive into how his work has evolved throughout his time at the Legal Action Center. We get into how e…

1
Episode 14 - Tara Moreno-Wallen, Serenity House Founder 55:14

9M ago55:14

55:14

Hello and welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power, my name is Oliver Books. On today’s episode, our host, Psalm Bigham interviews Tara Moreno-Wallen, executive director of Serenity House in Flint, Michigan. If you’ve attended one of our Recovery Leadership Summits you might recognize Tara from a leadership breakout, or from the opening session medit…

1
Non-abstinent recovery: examining drinking reductions for public health with Prof Katie Witkiewitz 48:23

9M ago48:23

48:23

In this episode we talk to Prof Katie Witkiewitz about non-abstinent recovery and the role of drinking reductions in reducing alcohol-related harm. We discuss this from both a public health perspective, and the role of abstinence or drinking reduction goals in the context of treatment and recovery. Professor Katie Witkiewitz is a Distinguished Prof…

1
Episode 13 - Patrick J. Kennedy - Former Congressman, Founder of the Kennedy Forum - Recovery Stories Have Power Live 30:40

9M ago30:40

30:40

Hello and welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power, My name is Oliver Books. This is the final episode in our series of video podcasts filmed at Faces & Voices of Recovery’s annual Recovery Leadership Summit in Denver, CO. On today's Episode I am joined by Patrick J. Kennedy. During his time in Congress, Patrick J. Kennedy was the lead author of the …

1
Episode 12 - Dr. Corrie Vilsaint, Recovery Leadership Summit Live 49:58

10M ago49:58

49:58

Hello and welcome to Recovery Stories have Power, my name is Oliver Books. We are so excited to bring you four very special podcast episodes throughout the months of June and July. The Recovery Leadership Summit hosted nearly 500 people from all across the recovery space. We had four amazing keynote speakers, and came together as a community to lea…

1
Episode 11 - Dr. Haner Hernández, Recovery Leadership Summit Live 1:01:54

10M ago1:01:54

1:01:54

Hello and welcome to Recovery Stories have Power, my name is Oliver Books. We are so excited to bring you four very special podcast episodes throughout the months of June and July. The Recovery Leadership Summit hosted nearly 500 people from all across the recovery space. We had four amazing keynote speakers, and came together as a community to lea…

1
Episode 10 - Sparkle Lindsay, Recovery Leadership Summit Live 55:24

11M ago55:24

55:24

Hello and welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power, my name is Oliver Books We are so excited to bring you four very special podcast episodes throughout the months of June and July. The Recovery Leadership Summit hosted nearly 500 people from all across the recovery space. We had four amazing keynote speakers, and came together as a community to lear…

1
Episode 9 - Thomas McCarry, Zero Overdose 49:43

11M ago49:43

49:43

Hello and welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power, my name is Oliver Books. On today's episode I chat with Thomas McCarry, co-founder of Zero Overdose. Zero Overdose was founded by Tom McCarry, LMHC, and Virna Little, PsyD, LCSW, with a shared vision to reduce unintentional overdose deaths both locally and nationally through overdose safety planning…

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